By Our Correspondent
The Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government of Nigeria over delays in the renegotiation of agreements affecting university workers, raising concerns about a possible nationwide strike before the end of the month.
In a statement released by union leaders, SSANU expressed frustration over what it described as the government’s lack of urgency in addressing longstanding issues related to salaries, allowances, and overall welfare of non-academic staff in Nigerian universities. The union emphasized that several promises made by the government remain unfulfilled, despite repeated engagements and negotiations.
SSANU noted that the prolonged delay in concluding renegotiation talks is putting undue hardship on its members, many of whom are struggling with rising living costs amid the current economic situation. According to the union, the failure to reach a timely agreement undermines trust and threatens the stability of the university system.
The association warned that if concrete steps are not taken immediately to resolve the dispute, it may have no choice but to embark on industrial action. Such a move could disrupt administrative and support services across public universities, affecting academic operations and student activities nationwide.
This development adds to the recurring tensions between university unions and the federal government, which have historically led to strikes and prolonged closures of institutions. Stakeholders in the education sector are now calling for swift intervention to prevent another disruption that could further strain Nigeria’s already challenged university system.
Observers say the coming weeks will be critical, as both parties are expected to either reach a compromise or face the consequences of another shutdown in the higher education sector.
